Together, they have accomplished much in the last few weeks in getting at least 22 of our members to provide about 100 matted and framed images for the upcoming Chamber of Commerce, Wellstar Douglas Hospital and Red Cross shows. Thank you all so much for participating. This is only going to grow better and bigger!!

Our February contest topic is “Color.” Please visit the website at http://sweetwatercameraclub.org/contests/2009-contest-descriptions/2009/february-color to read this month’s topic descriptions and the newly revised official rules governing the contest. There are several changes to the rules including a “you must be present to enter” clause. The monthly field trip photos are now officially included in the contest and points are assigned the same as color and monochrome print entries. You may download printable pdf files of both the contest rules and the contest topics, which have now been updated through February 2010.

Remember, you may enter the “monochrome” portion of the contest so long as your entry is not a typical black and white print. It needs to fulfill the description of “bright color” so basic sepia toning will not suffice as a “bright color.” The contest will be critiqued by members of the audience. The judging will be handled by Photographer David Akoubian who will be in attendance during the critique phase.

At our February meeting we have a few on-going items on the agenda including a motion to become a federally approved tax-exempt non-profit organization and a motion to revise and consolidate the SCC Constitution. Becoming a tax-exempt non-profit will allow us to raise funds and qualify for grants to enhance our visual arts organization. Revising and consolidating the SCC Constitution will provide strong guidance for the club for many years to come.

Refreshments (drinks) will be served starting at 6:30. You are encouraged to bring some snacks to share if you like.

The agenda is tentatively planned as follows:

5:45 – 6:30 Meeting setup. If you would like to help set up chairs and tables please come early.

6:30 Doors open to the public. Social time and Contest Check-in. Video setup. Please sign in at the check-in table, whether you are a member or a visitor.

6:55 Contest Check-in complete. No more entries accepted.

7:00-7:15 Opening announcements, recognition of officers and committees, recognition of new members and visitors, discussion of general information

7:15-8:05 “How to prepare your images for public exhibition” Linda and Steve will answer questions and distribute matte and framing resources information.

8:05 - 8:15 Break for Social time and Beverages

8:15 - 8:25  Business Meeting – on the agenda is the Treasurer’s Report, brief statements by committee chairpersons, and new business concerning the revision of our constitution and application for non-profit status.

8:25 - 8:35 Photographer David Akoubian will discuss his upcoming workshops and the importance of continuing your photographic education

8:35 - 9:40 Photo Contest and judging

9:40 – 10:00 Meeting adjourned. Chairs and tables taken down. If you would like to help take the show down, please stick around.

Additional Announcements: At least 3 speakers have mentioned upcoming workshops, Charles Needle, David Akoubian and Tom&Pat Cory.

1. Photographer Larry Harper sent in this link concerning last month’s exceptionally big full moon: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/08jan_bigmoon2009.htm

2. Mary Lesh, the chairperson of our Field Trip committee would like to encourage everyone to begin using the SCC Forum. There are polls on the forum asking members to vote on particular field trips as well as submit comments. The site address is: http://www.sweetwatercc.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=16 . You must log in to vote. If you haven’t registered on our forum, now is a good time. You do not have to be a member of the SCC to register and comment.

3. Laura Lieberman, the Executive Director of the Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County would like to pass this link along to you concerning  the new Georgia’s Creative Economies website at http://www.gamadegagrownproducts.org/ If you are inclined to make a part-time or full-time business with your creative image making skills, you should look into this.

4. Diane Yancey would like to share one of her resources, a site called “ http://www.clearbags.com”. Clearbags sells a wide variety of photo and art supplies including acid-free archival crystal clear bags for your images as well as boards, mattes and mounting accessories.

5. This is rather short notice but there is an art / photo contest called “Trees in Art” hosted by Trees Atlanta. The deadline for submissions is February 15^th , so if you have some fabulous images of trees you might go immediately to view the contest rules at: http://www.treesatlanta.org/Resources/TreesinArtProspectus12.08.pdf

Thanks to everyone for your interest and help in making the Sweetwater Camera Club the excellent organization that it is.  Your service to the group is greatly needed and appreciated! We now have almost 80 members. Hope to see you at the meeting!